iPad Pro With Force Touch Compatible Stylus to Enter Production in September/October?

The much rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro will enter production between September and October of this year, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. An optional stylus will take advantage of the tablet's Force Touch screen and can charge via the Lightning port, says Kuo.

Notably, the analyst suggests the stylus may be needed to make Force Touch work properly on the larger display.

With regard to the present technologies, we believe if the Force Touch module for iPad is designed using the same structure that was used in the iPhone, the larger size may result in a poor yield rate. This is why we think a stylus may be necessary to make Force Touch work properly on the 12.9” iPad. We also believe a Force Touch-enabled stylus will enhance productivity as it would offer more precise operation than using only fingers. Technically, we believe the stylus can be made compatible with iPad models other than the 12.9” version, but it depends on the support of software.

Kuo estimates that we could see iPad Pro shipments of 4 million to 5.5 million with stylus shipments below 1 million units.

We estimate new 12.9” iPad shipments from component makers and EMS providers will reach 2.5-3.5mn units and 1.5-2.0mn units this year, respectively. Being an optional accessory, we expect stylus shipments to be below 1.0mn units. However, as it’s a brand new product, and given the market buzz, we expect Force Touch-enabled stylus to serve as a share catalyst for related plays, including the main beneficiary, Cheng Uei, which is the sole assembler of the stylus.

Kuo's date for production lines up with an earlier report. Sources tell DigiTimes that Apple's supply chain is expected to start supplying components for a 12.9-inch iPad in late September, ahead of a mid-November release.

There have been some rumors that Apple could update its current iPad lineup at a September 9th event; however, its unclear if the iPad Pro will be revealed at that time. Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or RSS for updates.